Increase Collagen Production in Marne, MI

Collagen—a word derived from the Greek word "kolla," meaning glue—is a protein found in fibrous tissues of the body such as ligaments, tendons and skin. There are 22 identified types of collagen, each with a unique structure of amino acids and different functions, but most of your body is made up of Types I, II and III. Type I collagen fibrils, gram for gram, are stronger than steel.

In your skin, collagen is located in the dermis layer, helping maintain skin elasticity and firmness. However, as your skin ages, your body produces less and less collagen. You see the results of this decline in collagen production in your outward appearance, with wrinkles and skin sagging often aging you past your chronological age.

To schedule a consultation with a skincare professional in Marne that can help you increase collagen production in your skin, call (616) 426-6163 or contact Elite Health online.

How to Stimulate Collagen Production

Collagen production begins in one of two ways: externally through topical creams and treatments or internally through your body's production of it. Topical collagen beauty products are frequently touted as a fountain of youth, but they probably should not be at the top of your list of ways to increase collagen production. Collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin. The best methods are those that stimulate endogenous collagen growth, or your body's own natural collagen production. This can be accomplished in several different ways.

Collagen Supplements

Supplementing certain nutrients in your diet can help to encourage collagen production in your body or restore function when collagen is not forming properly. The following collagen supplements can help to activate collagen growth in your body:

Vitamin C

Amino acids like lysine and proline

Hyaluronic acid

Collagen supplements like collagen hydrolysate

Anthocyanidins (bioflavonoids with antioxidant properties)

You should only take dietary supplements specifically recommended by your healthcare provider to ensure their efficacy and to avoid interaction with other dietary supplements and medications.

Diet

Your diet is one of the most powerful ways you can naturally influence collagen production in your body. We mainly receive collagen in our diets from food sources that are high in protein such as beef, chicken, fish and eggs. Your collagen-boosting diet should include:

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma to create controlled injury and stimulate the body's own healing abilities along with collagen production

The use of retinoic acid or a chemical peel to stimulate collagen growth and repair of the skin

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like Restylane, Radiesse and Sculptura

Preventing Collagen Loss

You not only want to increase collagen production; it is just as important to prevent collagen loss. Smoking is a sure-fire way to promote collagen loss, so taking steps to quit smoking can slow collagen breakdown. Other measures that may prevent your loss of collagen include:

Avoid excessive time in the sun or cover your skin (with sunscreen or clothing) since sun exposure damages the collagen in your skin

Avoid free radicals (caused by various factors, including cooking methods) that lead to collagen breakdown

Avoid high sugar consumption and keep your blood sugar under control since excess glucose and problems with glucose metabolism can cause deterioration of collagen in your body

Get adequate sleep; while you sleep your body goes into repair mode and disrupting this process can influence collagen production

Address autoimmune disorders that may be destroying your collagen stores

Eradicate Facial Aging Today

Increasing collagen production in the skin can dramatically improve the rate at which your face outwardly ages. By incorporating a skin rejuvenating diet, supplements and cosmetic treatments, you can encourage collagen growth.

To schedule a consultation with a skincare professional in Marne that can help you stimulate collagen production in your skin, call (616) 426-6163 or contact Elite Health online.